After exploring a run for governor for nearly two months, Republican businessman Steve Kenda decided he would not run after all. His decision means there are currently just two Democrats and two Republicans running in what is the most wide open race for governor in 16 years.

His decision to forgo a bid really asks two questions: is the field of candidates set? If not, what would any potential candidate need to have this late in the campaign?

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With basically two months until the filing period for governor begins, time is running out for serious candidates to have any shot of putting together an impressive campaign. Anyone who would emerge now basically has to have three things going for them now.

1. Money

Yes, the argument could be made that those looking at the race last year would need to have personal resources to use in a campaign. But with only five months until the primary, there is basically no time to run a full campaign and raise the money needed at the same time.

The other candidates have been in the race for months. To play catch-up, anyone coming in now will have to be able to thrown in at least $500,000 right away, if not more. That statement already limits the number of potential candidates still out there, but there is just no time to start a grassroots fundraising effort.

2. A personal story that fits what voters want

Politicians are unpopular at the moment, but those who can talk credibly about economic growth are in demand. The current crop of candidates can all talk about ideas, plans and theories about how to help the local economy. None of them can do what Governors John Lynch or Craig Benson did by pointing to the jobs they created when they actually ran businesses.

3. They must stand out politically

At this point there is a lack of moderate candidates in both parties. There isn’t much of an argument to adding another progressive female state Senator to the Democratic side or a conservative activist to the Republican race. If there were a true moderate to get in the race then there would be instant credibility because there would at least be a political argument on the path to victory.